1996 Nissan Pathfinder
JN8AR05Y1TW025634
Vehicle record for the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN JN8AR05Y1TW025634). Green, wagon / suv, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Kyiv. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1996 Nissan Pathfinder · Green on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 5 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report suspension trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
💵 A fair offer is around $1,149 (typical range $500–$2,995). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JN8AR05Y1TW025634, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 5 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 Nissan Pathfinder data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder worth?
What comparable 1996 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
Exact-VIN valuations are part of the history report, available for US-titled vehicles.MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion Closed
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of April 20, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-2003 Infinity QX4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower. The vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states includin…
NHTSA #PE11004 · Suspension, Steering · opened Jan 2011 · closed Jun 2011An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 74
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 74.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB08-097L · Steering · Sep 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uni…
Bulletin NTB23-049 · Electrical System · Jun 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly sp…
Bulletin NTB23-053 · Electrical System · Jun 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB13-107F · Electrical System · Apr 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB16-003C · Electrical System · Apr 2023WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB09-081J · Visibility, Structure · Feb 2023REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB13-028H · Visibility, Structure · Feb 2023WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB10-126C · Wheels · Feb 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB08-097K · Steering · Feb 2023STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Bulletin NTB99-001F · Suspension · Dec 2021Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PATHFINDER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Structure
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower…
Transport Canada #2011165 · Apr 2011Brakes
NOTE: THERE ARE TWO DEFECTS IN THIS RECALL. (1) DUE TO THE THICKNESS OF THE CARPET PADDING ON THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL, THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL MAY BE SUCH THAT A DRIVER WEARING LARGE BOOTS COULD HAVE HIS OR HER RIGHT FOOT CATCH UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN A DELAY IN APPLYING THE BRAKES. (2) DUE TO THE TYPE OF LUBRICANT USED…
Transport Canada #1996035 · Feb 1996Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 5
SUSPENSION:FRONT
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF…
Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA Campaign #11V244000 · 20/04/2011EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
DUE TO THE THICKNESS OF THE CARPET PADDING ON THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL, THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL COULD CATCH A DRIVER'S RIGHT FOOT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CARPET PADDING ON THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL ADJACENT TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
NHTSA Campaign #96V031000 · 22/02/1996STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
DUE TO THE TYPE OF LUBRICANT USED IN THE STEERING TRANSFER GEAR ASSEMBLY, THE EFFORT REQUIRED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (LESS THAN -30 C) COULD INCREASE TO THE POINT WHERE SOME DRIVERS WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTY IN TURNING THE WHEEL.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE REPLACING THE STEERING TRANSFER GEAR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY HAVING DIFFERENT LUBRICANT.
NHTSA Campaign #96V034000 · 22/02/1996Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 20 involved a crash 🚑 32 reported injuries
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 176
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder.
STEERING,SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED AT THE DMV, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR STRUT WAS RUSTING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING MADE AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE UNSURE HOW TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. TH…
NHTSA ODI #11176224STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CAR HAS MANY AFTER MARKET PARTS WHICH ARE OLD AND RUSTED WHICH CAUSES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO BREAK DOWN EVEN AFTER REPLACING MANY PARTS ALSO WHEN SEARCHING GOR PARTS ITS HARD TO FIND I HAVE TO GET PARTS FOR A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER WHEN MY VEHICLE IS A 1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER
NHTSA ODI #11057162AIR BAGS
I TRIED TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE NISSAN DEALER AND AFTER FINDING MY VEHICLE RETURN A POSITIVE AIRBAG RECALL ON AIRBAGRECALL.COM. THE LOCAL DEAL SAID IT IS NOT LISTED IN THEIR SYSTEM AND DID NOT OFFER TO LOOK INTO IT ANY FURTHER. I TOLD THEM THEY COULD LOOK IT UP ON AN INTERNET BASED SYSTEM TO SEE WHAT I WAS SEEING BUT THEY DECLINED. WILSON MOTOR COMPANY …
NHTSA ODI #11041478SUSPENSION
ON A LONG ROAD TRIP FROM INDIANA TO NORTH CAROLINA, THE REAR-END OF MY VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING OR ROCKING FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE AS I WAS GOING 60 MPH OR MORE AND WHENEVER I CHANGED LANES. IT FELT VERY UNSTABLE, AS THOUGH IT MAY ROLLOVER. UPON MY RETURN HOME, I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE SWAY BAR, THE SHOCKS AND MAYBE THE TIRES. I REPLACED &…
NHTSA ODI #10766403STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
WHENEVER I REACH AN EXCESS SPEED OF 40+ AND TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS THE CAR ROCKS BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLE. I AM A MOTHER OF FOUR AND THE IS A VERY TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH ME AND MY CHILDREN.
NHTSA ODI #10730427STEERING,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
I BOUGHT THIS CAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO AND COULDN'T DRIVE IT RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT A LITTLE BEFORE I GOT MY LICENSE. SO EVENTUALLY WHEN I GOT IT ON THE ROAD I ENDED UP GETTING A REJECTION STICKER BECAUSE THE E BREAK AND A FEW OTHER REASONS. ONE THING I'VE NOTICED ABOUT MY S.U.V IS THE WIND SHIELD WIPERS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH IS …
NHTSA ODI #10723884SUSPENSION
ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS ARE THE SAME COMPLAINT, YET NOTHING IS DONE FOR THE CONSUMER OF WHAT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLE WHEN NEW EVEN THOUGH IT IS DANGEROUS AND MANY CONSUMERS SPEND A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM (OR GIVE UP AND PARK THE VEHICLE), OFTEN SPENDING THE MONEY ON THE WRONG FIX BECAUSE THIS INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN TO THEM AND TH…
NHTSA ODI #10701539STEERING,SUSPENSION
AS VEHICLE APPROACHED 50MPH IT WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE FORCING ME TO LET OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. THE SHAKING MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND WAS VERY FRIGHTENING NOT ONLY TO ME, BUT ALSO TO MY FAMILY (WE WERE ON VACATION). SINCE THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A DANGEROUS SITUATION I LOOKED FOR A RECALL. THERE WAS NONE. I DID, HOW…
NHTSA ODI #10695520+ 168 more complaints on record.
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